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Overview

Ferndown Cottage Rental Photos and Description

Self-catering cottage with g/floor accommodation, local walks and golf courses

Nature lover’s secret hideaway, Birchcroft nestles at the end of a winding lane, surrounded by rhododendron bushes in over an acre of land and enjoys walks into the local woodland. This beautiful chalet bungalow offers g/floor bedrooms and bathrooms and is large enough for two families. All rooms are of a good size with a particularly large lounge. Step onto the ample terrace and enjoy breathtaking views of the local landscape, with Longham lakes in the distance. Wild life including deer, foxes, rabbits, and many species of birds are often seen in the garden. For the children there is a large rear garden laid to lawn but the boundaries are unsecured and lead directly into 19 acres of woodland. Though secluded, Birchcroft is only 6 miles from Bournemouth beaches and all the town’s facilities, has an ample supply of excellent pubs and restaurants in walking distance, as well as many well known golf courses [Parkstone, Ferndown, Isle of Purbeck].

Accessible Accommodation: Quality In Tourism has awarded Birchcroft Mobility 1 & 2, Hearing 1 and Visual 1, so we can accommodate part time wheelchair users as well as people with hearing and visual difficulties. We have a wet room with wheeled shower stool, electric single bed, electric stand-up chair and a loop system. We have flashing smoke alarms and a personal alarm. There is a ramp to the front door and easy access to the terrace and the back garden. The front garden is flat with tarmac driveways. We have a perching stool for the kitchen and an armed dinning room chair to help the elderly. The paddle staircase to the first floor is not suitable for those with disabilities, but we have 2 downstairs bedrooms, one with an extra wide door to accommodate a wheelchair. Please email owner for our accessibility statement for more details.

Walkers and Cyclists Welcome Awards: We at BIRCHCROFT are very proud to announce that we have received from Quality In Tourism both of these prestigious awards and now look forward to welcoming Walkers or Cyclists to our property.

For Walkers we have boot removers and a bench to sit on at the front door as well as Ordnance Survey maps of the area for your use. The wet room is very useful for hanging wet coats, over trousers and muddy boots with a special folding wall hanging rack. A First aid kit is always available. For those who prefer a gentle stroll in the immediate vicinity, the back garden has paths into the local woodlands and rights of way to the local pub where a good pub lunch is available. There is also a very pleasant walk by the nearby River Stour and one to Dorset Lakes and the picturesque Hampreston Village Church.

For Cyclists we have a secure storage for up to 8 bicycles at no extra expense and Ordnance Survey maps of the area are available for your use. There is a bicycle repairers just 1/2 a mile away.

We recycle all suitable waste products, use organic cleaning products and monitor water usage. We have our own septic tank that processes all sewerage waste. We encourage our guests to book via email and our websites and do not print any brochures unless specifically asked by our clients. We are replacing all light bulbs with energy efficient ones and use low voltage lighting in nearly all areas. Our gas hot air central heating system is one of the most efficient systems.

Beach hut hire. Birchcroft is located only 6 miles from the 7 miles of golden sands that make up Bournemouth beaches. They stretch from Hengistbury Head [NT] overlooking Christchurch harbour, passed Bournemouth and Boscombe piers to the world famous Sandbanks peninsula with its luxury houses. On the quieter Southbourne stretch we have our own Beach Hut. It is 7 miles from Birchcroft and can be hired on a weekly basis. It contains chairs, gas stove, cutlery, china and some beach toys. Please contact the owner for more details.

About HolidayInDorset - Mrs S Hall

I have lived in the Bournemouth area all my life and my family goes back 4 generations of local people.Though I have travelled the world I am always drawn back to the safe beaches, lovely woods, lush valleys and rolling plains of the Dorset countryside.

HolidayInDorset - Mrs S Hall purchased this cottage in 1962

Why HolidayInDorset - Mrs S Hall chose England

I am the owner of Birchcroft and it has been in my family home since my father bought the land in 1962 and then built the house himself. The outstanding views down the Stour valley with magnificent sunsets always amaze me. My children adored visiting grandparents at Birchcroft because there were so many paths to wonder through the woods, so many places to play hide and seek and so much wildlife to watch.

What makes this cottage unique

The sunsets over the Stour valley, the amazing wildlife and the quiet mornings with the mist rising and the sun filtering though never cease to inspire me. You feel in the middle of the countryside and yet you are only 5 miles from the centre of Bournemouth with its shops, cinemas, piers, beaches and night-life. Access to the rest of Dorset, many National Trust properties, miles of golden sands, 2 harbours and the magnificent New Forest is very easy. Birchcroft an ideal base for so many different types of holidays. And don't forget we are Mobility 2 rated so bringing elderly relatives on holiday with you is so easy. Also we can now provide extra items to help the elderly [and save you boot space!] at no extra cost.

Guestbook comments from the owner

Came for the week to celebrate daughter's 40th birthday with all the family. Could not have picked a better place. Very tranquill surroundings and plenty of space for the kids. Angel pub highly recommended. This cottage is lovely and warm. Log fire was a bonus. Thank you.

(6 traveler reviews)

Comfortable, clean and convenient

It is a lovely bungalow. It seems to be in the middle of the countryside with a wonderful view and a lovely garden but it is also very convenient to many places of interest. The owner and her assistant are very attentive. It is well stocked with everything you would need. The only thing younger members complained about were theTV signals - (there was one in every room and the owner said that this was why it was a 4* property). This was not resolved to the youngsters satisfaction despite the best efforts of the owner.

We didn't eat locally much but of the ones we did, we found the Owl's Nest to be good quality and inexpensive, though a limited menu and the Angel(?) though a very extensive menu, the waiting times were horrendous.

We would definitely recommend this property to friends and relatives.

Submitted: Sep 6, 2016

Stayed: Aug 2016

Source: Owners Direct, from HomeAway

Owner's Response: Thank you for a lovely review and I am glad you enjoyed your visit. We managed to get engineers in to look at the televisions as short notice and was sure that they were all working before you left. Perhaps the children could explain their problems so that we can sort any problems for other guests. We do list the local restaurants but we are sorry if the service was bad on the days you went. Normally the Angel pub is very popular, especially with families and children. Catering for a large age range and abilities is our speciality and we are glad that this suited your party.
Regards Sonia

Lovely Weeks Stay for All the Family

We had an absolutely wonderful week away at Birchcroft. There was 3 generations of the family on our trip including 2 small children a teenager and 4 adults, the facilities were more than adequate to make us all feel comfortable. There was plenty of space inside the property, we didn't feel crammed in at any point. The grounds proved additional entertainment for us all, as the adults explored and the children used the space to run and play.

Sonia and Mary were both fantastic during our stay and any issues we came to them with, including a bed wetting from our 4 year old was dealt with swiftly and like it was no bother. They ensured our stay was comfortable, and its clear from all the information available before, and whilst staying that they were just a phone call away should we have needed anything more. A beautiful welcome basket was left as well as enough tea making essentials for when we first arrived, to satisfy the thirst. The property was beautifully clean and well organised, everything was where we expected it to be. The 4 bedrooms and bathroom facilities were fantastic and met the need of our multi-generational family perfectly.

The bungalow is perfectly situated with easy access to many of the main roads. We were able to travel to Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth and the New Forest all within just over an hours driving or closer. It is so close to that many attractions that we didn't actually manage to fit them all in. We did however see Beaulieu, Weymouth Sealife Centre and the fantastic August Fireworks Display in Poole harbour.

This acts as a positive for Birchcroft as we are already planning a return stay so that we can see more of the area and visit some of those missed attractions.

We have already told all our family and friends about our fantastic stay, most of which has been focused around how wonderful our accommodation and stay was.

Submitted: Aug 10, 2016

Stayed: Jul 2016

Source: HomeAway

Owner's Response: Dear Guests
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are so pleased that all went well for you and your complete party. We are very proud of our 4 stars with Quality in Tourism and our Accessibility awards - M2,H1, V1. We understand that a lot of families have difficulties finding accommodation that suits all ages. Our gardeners work very hard to maintain 1.5 acres of grounds and we will be upgrading the summerhouse so it becomes a child's play area. The new ramp has proved welcome to people with mobility problems. Please remember if you come back next year you will qualify for a 5% reduction if you contact us direct. Regards Sonia, owner.

Good experience

We stayed at the house for a long weekend. The house is great, clean, spacious and comfortable. the garden is beautiful and well kept and watching the birds was great fun. The thing that we didn't like was the calculated atmosphere - e.g. little toilet paper, no soap, honesty list on the wall, direct request to 'leave the house as clean and tidy'. It's not that these things shouldn't be kept but it made us feel less comfortable and less at home. In addition, although communication was great while booking, on the day itself it was more difficult to reach Sonia and Mary and it felt a bit intrusive when we did.

But overall it is a lovely house!

Submitted: Apr 28, 2016

Stayed: Apr 2016

Source: HomeAway

Owner's Response: Dear Guest
I am glad that you found the house clean and tidy and enjoyed our facilities. The birds and wild life watching is loved by us and a lot of our guests. I am sorry about the "little toilet paper" as you should have had a full toilet roll in each one of the 4 bathrooms. I will follow this up with the cleaners. As for contacting us on the arrival day, it was very unfortunate that both Mary and myself were both tied up and away. I did my best to answer your questions but I was in a long meeting in Wales and it was embarrassing trying to answer the phone that had rung several times that day with enquiries. I can only apologise and say that this is not the norm. With regard to our request for the place to be left tidy, we feel that this is a reasonable request and it is in our Terms and Conditions. With regard to soap being supplied, it is not our policy as a self catering establishment and not a hotel, to leave soap, shower gels, etc in the bathrooms. We would have to increase our charges if we did this on a regular basis and we struggle to keep our prices down and provide a clean and comfortable property. With regard to the "honesty box" we do this so that we do not have to use your damage deposit for small items like glasses, large plates, etc. You are not under any compulsion to use this at any time.
We do hope that this has not put you off returning to our property in the future.
Regards, Sonia Hall, [Owner]

Exceptionally tranquil

Stayed at Birchcroft with extended family for our summer break in 2013 and enjoyed it so much we returned this year.

If you are seeking a large holiday home (has a huge lounge area, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms) with lots of room outdoors then this is an excellent choice. The house is superbly thought out, with a spacious layout and the inclusion of everything you are likely to need during your stay. The grounds are amazing - you feel as if you have left the world behind for a little while and found a woodland haven (complete with regular garden visits from rabbits, squirrels, butterflies and unusual birds). There are no neighbouring properties in view from the house and this adds to the feeling of a true 'hideaway'.

There are lots of places to eat in easy reach (including 'The Angel') and Tesco is just a few minutes car drive away. Nearby Moors Valley Country Park is a lovely choice for a day out if you are seeking an alternative to the beach.

The owner and her assistant could not be more helpful and accommodating

Submitted: Jan 15, 2015

Stayed: Aug 2014

Source: HomeAway

Owner's Response: Thank you so much for a lovely review and we are so pleased that you had a wonderful holiday. You will be pleased to know that the main terrace with the stunning sunsets needed and over-hall this winter and the work started at the beginning of January. It turned into a much bigger job that we had imagined but I am very pleased to report that it is now beginning to come together and I think the new look greatly enhances the lovely view and sitting with a glass of wine as the sun sets will take on a new dimension. Looking forward to welcoming you again. Don't forget return guests get a discount for every new visit. - Sonia, owner.

Natalie & friends

The location of Birchcroft is fantanstic, it is a peaceful location yet close to everything you need. There is a fabulous pub about a mile's stroll from the cottage with a great menu and really good food.

The owner made everything easy from the initial enquiry to our arrival, the cottage was beautiful to say the least and spotlessly clean with a lovely touch of a welcome pack on our arrival. The picture window in the living room was amazing, not ony were we treated to amazing sunsets but also lots of wildlife. We all commented on how quiet it was at night time, you could hear a pin drop, wonderful.

I would thoroughly recommend this property to my family and friends and would definately consider going again. The only point i would make is the main stairs in the house my prove a little difficult for someone less able, having said that there is plenty of accomodation downstairs including a beautiful bath/shower room and en suite.

The trip into Bournemouth itself was easy and about a 15 minute drive away, the beaches at the seafront were clean and there was plenty of parking.

Marion, Peter Rosaline & Newy

We had a wonderful second visit at Birchcroft which was just as comfortable and enjoyable as our first visit, the icing on the cake this time was the weather, I think we had the best weather of the year so far.

The house is extremely well equipped and spotlessly clean with all the comforts of home and the grounds that the house stands on have to be seen to be believed. The wild life and scenery is breathtaking. We were lucky enough to see a deer briefly this time but the land is teeming with rabbits, squirrells, foxes and many varieties of bird life. The Birchcroft TV was utterly amazing and we felt humbled in being able to watch the baby Blue Tits in their nest with both parents popping in and out but especially the Mother who was kept busy all day long and snuggling down with her babies at night. We were truly privileged to witness nature at its best.

Because of the wonderful weather we were able to explore the local woodland and countryside and to see the Mares and their foals in a neighbouring field.

We made the most of the veranda where we could sit all day long just staring at the stunning scenery.

Mrs Hall and her team were only a phone call away for help or advice as to places to visit etc and are all very accommodating and friendly.

Our week went by only too quickly but this is definitely a place to return to time and again.

Birchcroft nestles in 1 acre of woodlands but is only 6 miles from the golden sandy beaches of Bournemouth with cinemas, nightclubs and great shopping. Picturesque Christchurch, the New Forest, National Trust properties of Brownsea Island, Kingston Lacey, Corfe Castle and the Jurassic Coast, are all in easy distance with Adventure Wonderland, Hobby Craft and Wimborne Minster close by. The area is a golfers paradise with over 16 courses and features some very well known courses – Parkstone, Ferndown, Broadstone, Queen’s Park and Isle of Purbeck with its fantastic views of Brownsea, Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Bay.

The Dorset area is well know for its Jurassic coast, Chesil Beach and the Swannery at Abbotsbury as well as Monkey World and the Tank Museum at Bovington – all within an easy drive.

Additional information about rental rates

Fees

No additional mandatory fees

Refundable damage deposit

$252

To book your cottage email us at holidayindorset@btinternet.com to check availability and provisionally book. We will then email your Booking Form. Please make us aware of any special requirements. After Booking and having received the non- refundable deposit payment, we will confirm your holiday in writing. Accessible accommodation M2 rated.Paddle staircase is not suitable for elderly guests. The damage deposit will be returned to you within 1 month of your final holiday day, unless damage has occurred and then we will consult you direct with regard to our compensation.

The En suite to Room 2 has a power shower, light mirror and grab rails Family barthroom has a power shower and light mirror Wetroom is particularly useful for less able guests as it has a flat floor shower entrance, electric shower, shower stool and grab rails for shower area and toilet There is a shower room on the first floor with shower, toilet and sink as well as heated towel rail and shaving mirror.

All bedrooms include linen and towels and have a high standard of furnishings. Bedrooms 1 & 2 are on the ground floor and have facilities to help the less able with an electric bed as well as an electric armchair, Each has a television. Extra Cots available on request. Wheelchair will fit into Bedroom 1

Entertainment:

Books ...

Books for Adults

Books for Kids

CD Player

DVD Player ...

Games ...

MP3 Dock

Radio

Stereo ...

Television ...

Toys ...

Video Library ...

Outside:

Balcony ...

Bicycles ...

Boat ...

Deck / Patio ...

Golf ...

Lawn / Garden ...

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor Grill ...

Patio

Porch / Veranda ...

Porch Furniture

Screen Porch / Veranda

Ski & Snowboard ...

Tennis ...

Terrace

1 bicycles

12 garden chairs

Suitability:

Events Allowed

Groups

Singles

children welcome ...

non smoking only

pets not allowed

suitable for elderly or infirm

wheelchair accessible ...

Onsite Services:

Massage

Attractions:

autumn foliage

bay/sound

botanical garden

churches

cinemas

festivals

forests

library

live theater

marina

museums

nude beach

playground

recreation center

restaurants

synagogues

theme parks

water parks

Leisure Activities:

beachcombing

bird watching

gambling casinos

horseback riding

paddle boating

photography

scenic drives

sight seeing

walking

Local Services & Businesses:

ATM/bank

Babysitter

fitness center

groceries

hospital

massage therapist

medical services

Sports & Adventure Activities:

cycling

fishing

fly fishing

freshwater fishing

golf

jet skiing

pier fishing

roller blading

sailing

skiing

sound/bay fishing

surfing

swimming

tennis

water skiing

water tubing

wind-surfing

Notes:

Birchcroft has a small conservatory with 4 seats from which to watch the wildlife, especially birds on the feeders. The large raised lounge terrace gives magnificent views to Dorset Lakes in the distance and some fantastic sunsets. The rear garden sweeps down to a wild flower meadow and leads to walks in the local woodlands. The front garden has a sun lounge and greenhouse as well as level lawned areas and plenty of car parking. Though the ground floor of Birchcroft is ideal for the less able with a ramp to the front door, ground floor bedrooms and bathrooms, the first floor is accessed by a paddle staircase and not suitable for the less able visitors. High-chair, cot and stairgate are available. Secure storage for 8 bicycles is available [pre-booked]. Beach hut hire at Southbourne beach is available for a small fee. Please ask in advance Free Welcome Pack and open fire Starter Pack - extra set of keys available on request. Awards: Mobility 2, Visual 1, Hearing 1. Loop system

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